Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A touch sensor comprising: a sensor unit having a first region comprising at least one pair of a first electrode and a second electrode, and a second region comprising at least two pairs of first electrodes and second electrodes; a plurality of sensing channels each comprising first and second input terminals, wherein the first input terminals of the sensing channels are connected to different ones of the first electrodes; an amplifying circuit connected between the second input terminals of the sensing channels and the second electrodes; and an input control unit connected between the amplifying circuit and the second electrodes, the input control unit comprising a first resistor connected to the second electrode of the first region, and a second resistor commonly connected to the second electrodes of the second region.
A touch sensor system addresses the challenge of accurately detecting touch inputs across different regions of a sensor surface. The sensor unit includes a first region with at least one pair of electrodes and a second region with at least two pairs of electrodes. Each pair consists of a first electrode and a second electrode. The system uses multiple sensing channels, each with first and second input terminals. The first input terminals of these channels are connected to different first electrodes, allowing for independent signal acquisition from each electrode pair. An amplifying circuit is connected between the second input terminals of the sensing channels and the second electrodes, ensuring signal amplification for improved sensitivity. An input control unit is placed between the amplifying circuit and the second electrodes. This unit includes a first resistor specifically connected to the second electrode of the first region and a second resistor commonly connected to the second electrodes of the second region. This configuration enables differential signal processing and noise reduction, enhancing touch detection accuracy. The design allows for flexible electrode configurations and optimized signal conditioning, making it suitable for various touch-sensitive applications.
2. The touch sensor of claim 1 , wherein the amplifying circuit comprises: an amplifier comprising an input terminal commonly connected to first ends of the first and second resistors; and a plurality of output resistors connected in parallel, connected to an output terminal of the amplifier, and respectively connected to different ones of the sensing channels.
A touch sensor system includes an amplifying circuit designed to improve signal processing in capacitive touch sensing applications. The system addresses the challenge of accurately detecting touch inputs while minimizing noise and interference in multi-channel touch sensors. The amplifying circuit features an amplifier with an input terminal connected to the first ends of two resistors, which are part of a resistive network. The amplifier's output is connected to a set of output resistors arranged in parallel. Each output resistor is individually connected to a different sensing channel, allowing the circuit to distribute the amplified signal across multiple touch detection channels simultaneously. This configuration enhances signal integrity and reduces cross-talk between channels, improving touch detection accuracy. The resistive network and parallel output resistors enable precise control over signal distribution, ensuring consistent performance across all sensing channels. The design is particularly useful in touch-sensitive devices requiring high sensitivity and reliability, such as touchscreens, touchpads, and other human-machine interface applications. The amplifying circuit's modular structure allows for easy integration into existing touch sensor systems, providing a scalable solution for multi-channel touch detection.
3. The touch sensor of claim 2 , wherein the first resistor is connected to the second electrode of the first region and to the input terminal of the amplifier, and wherein the second resistor is connected between the second electrodes of the second region and the input terminal of the amplifier.
A touch sensor system detects touch inputs by measuring changes in capacitance. The system includes a plurality of electrodes arranged in regions, where each region has a first electrode and a second electrode. The electrodes are configured to form capacitive sensing elements that detect touch interactions. The system further includes an amplifier with an input terminal and an output terminal, where the amplifier amplifies signals from the electrodes. The system also includes a first resistor and a second resistor. The first resistor is connected between the second electrode of a first region and the input terminal of the amplifier. The second resistor is connected between the second electrodes of a second region and the input terminal of the amplifier. The resistors help balance the signal paths from different regions, ensuring accurate touch detection. The amplifier processes the signals from the electrodes, converting them into a measurable output that indicates touch presence and location. This configuration improves signal integrity and reduces noise, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of touch sensing. The system is particularly useful in touch-sensitive devices such as touchscreens, touchpads, and other human-machine interfaces.
4. The touch sensor of claim 2 , wherein the second input terminals of the sensing channels are connected to respective ones of the output resistors.
A touch sensor system detects touch inputs on a touch-sensitive surface using multiple sensing channels. Each sensing channel includes a drive electrode and a sense electrode, where the drive electrode is driven with an excitation signal and the sense electrode detects changes in capacitance caused by touch interactions. The sensing channels are configured to measure touch positions by analyzing the detected signals. The system includes a plurality of output resistors, each connected to a respective second input terminal of the sensing channels. These output resistors are used to adjust the signal levels or impedance matching in the sensing channels, improving signal integrity and touch detection accuracy. The resistors may be configured to filter noise, balance signal levels, or optimize the dynamic range of the touch sensor system. The touch sensor system may be integrated into various electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or touchscreens, to provide reliable touch input detection. The use of output resistors enhances the performance of the sensing channels by ensuring consistent signal processing and reducing interference from external factors.
5. The touch sensor of claim 2 , wherein the second region comprises at least three first electrodes, wherein a second input terminal of a sensing channel connected to any one of the first electrodes of the second region is connected between second input terminals of sensing channels connected to two different ones of the first electrodes of the second region.
A touch sensor system includes a plurality of electrodes arranged in a sensing area, where the electrodes are grouped into at least two regions. The first region includes electrodes connected to sensing channels that detect touch inputs, while the second region includes at least three electrodes. In the second region, a second input terminal of a sensing channel connected to any one of the first electrodes is positioned between the second input terminals of sensing channels connected to two different first electrodes in the same region. This arrangement allows for improved touch detection accuracy and spatial resolution by ensuring that the sensing channels in the second region are interconnected in a manner that enhances signal processing and reduces interference. The system may be used in touch-sensitive devices such as smartphones, tablets, or touchscreens, where precise and reliable touch detection is essential. The configuration of the electrodes and their connections optimizes the sensing performance by distributing the electrical signals more effectively across the sensing area, particularly in regions where higher sensitivity or resolution is required. The interconnection of the sensing channels in the second region ensures that touch inputs are accurately captured and processed, improving overall system functionality.
6. The touch sensor of claim 2 , wherein each of the output resistors comprises a variable resistor.
A touch sensor system includes a plurality of touch electrodes arranged in a grid pattern, where each touch electrode is connected to a corresponding output resistor. The system detects touch events by measuring changes in capacitance at the touch electrodes. The output resistors are variable resistors, allowing their resistance values to be adjusted dynamically. This adjustability enables fine-tuning of the sensor's sensitivity and performance, compensating for variations in environmental conditions or manufacturing tolerances. The variable resistors can be implemented using digital potentiometers or other adjustable resistive elements, controlled by a processing unit. By dynamically adjusting the resistance, the system can optimize touch detection accuracy, reduce noise, and improve signal integrity. The touch sensor may also include a multiplexer to selectively connect the touch electrodes to a sensing circuit, and a controller to process the measured signals and determine touch locations. The variable resistors enhance the sensor's adaptability, making it suitable for various applications, including touchscreens, touchpads, and other human-machine interfaces.
7. The touch sensor of claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit further comprises a third region comprising at least one pair of a first electrode and a second electrode.
A touch sensor system detects touch inputs on a surface using multiple sensor units, each containing conductive electrodes arranged in distinct regions. The sensor unit includes a first region with a first electrode and a second electrode, forming a first pair, and a second region with a second pair of electrodes. The third region, added to enhance detection accuracy, contains at least one additional pair of electrodes. These electrodes are positioned to create overlapping or adjacent sensing zones, allowing the system to distinguish between different touch interactions, such as single touches, multi-touch gestures, or proximity sensing. The electrodes may be configured in a grid, matrix, or other geometric arrangement to optimize signal sensitivity and reduce interference. The system processes electrical signals from the electrodes to determine touch location, pressure, or movement, improving responsiveness and accuracy in touch-sensitive applications like displays, control panels, or interactive surfaces. The third region's electrodes enhance spatial resolution and reduce false positives by providing redundant or complementary sensing data. This design is particularly useful in environments where precise touch detection is critical, such as industrial interfaces or consumer electronics.
8. The touch sensor of claim 7 , wherein the input control unit further comprises a third resistor connected between the second electrode of the third region and the amplifying circuit.
A touch sensor system includes a substrate with multiple conductive regions, each having electrodes for detecting touch inputs. The system uses an input control unit to manage electrical signals from these regions. The input control unit includes resistors connected to the electrodes to control signal flow. Specifically, a third resistor is connected between the second electrode of a third conductive region and an amplifying circuit. This resistor helps regulate the signal from the third region before amplification, improving touch detection accuracy. The amplifying circuit processes the signals to determine touch location and intensity. The system may also include additional resistors connected to other electrodes in different regions, ensuring balanced signal processing across the sensor. The touch sensor is designed for use in electronic devices requiring precise touch input detection, such as smartphones, tablets, or touchscreens. The resistor configuration optimizes signal integrity and reduces noise, enhancing overall performance. The system may further include a processing unit to analyze amplified signals and generate touch coordinates for device interaction. The touch sensor operates by detecting changes in capacitance or resistance when a user touches the surface, converting these changes into electrical signals for processing. The resistor network ensures stable signal transmission, improving reliability in various environmental conditions.
9. The touch sensor of claim 1 , wherein the amplifying circuit comprises: a first amplifier comprising an input terminal connected to the second electrode of the first region and to first end of the first resistor, and an output terminal connected to a second input terminal of a sensing channel connected to the first electrode of the first region; and a second amplifier comprising an input terminal connected to the second electrodes of the second region and to first end of the second resistor, and an output terminal connected to second input terminals of sensing channels connected to the first electrodes of the second region.
This invention relates to a touch sensor system with an amplifying circuit designed to improve signal integrity in capacitive touch sensing. The problem addressed is the susceptibility of touch sensors to noise and signal degradation, particularly in multi-region sensing applications where multiple electrodes and resistors are involved. The amplifying circuit includes two amplifiers that enhance signal quality by amplifying and routing signals from multiple sensing regions. The first amplifier connects to a second electrode in a first sensing region and a first resistor, with its output feeding into a sensing channel linked to a first electrode in the same region. The second amplifier connects to second electrodes in a second sensing region and a second resistor, routing its output to multiple sensing channels linked to first electrodes in the second region. This configuration ensures that signals from different regions are properly amplified and directed to their respective sensing channels, reducing noise and improving touch detection accuracy. The system is particularly useful in multi-touch applications where precise and reliable signal processing is critical.
10. The touch sensor of claim 9 , wherein the amplifying circuit comprises: a first output resistor connected between the output terminal of the first amplifier and a second input terminal of a sensing channel connected to the first electrode of the first region; and a plurality of second output resistors connected between the output terminal of the second amplifier and second input terminals of the sensing channels connected to the second electrodes of the second region.
A touch sensor system includes a plurality of sensing channels, each with a first electrode and a second electrode, and an amplifying circuit. The amplifying circuit has a first amplifier and a second amplifier. The first amplifier is connected to the first electrodes of the sensing channels in a first region, while the second amplifier is connected to the second electrodes of the sensing channels in a second region. The amplifying circuit further includes a first output resistor connected between the output terminal of the first amplifier and a second input terminal of a sensing channel in the first region. Additionally, multiple second output resistors are connected between the output terminal of the second amplifier and the second input terminals of the sensing channels in the second region. This configuration allows for differential signal amplification and noise reduction in touch sensing applications, improving signal integrity and accuracy in detecting touch inputs. The system is designed to enhance the performance of touch sensors by optimizing signal pathways and reducing interference, particularly in multi-electrode configurations.
11. The touch sensor of claim 10 , wherein first ends of the first and second output resistors are connected to a reference voltage source.
A touch sensor system includes a plurality of touch electrodes arranged in a matrix, where each touch electrode is connected to a corresponding input resistor. The system also includes a first output resistor and a second output resistor, each connected to a respective touch electrode. The first and second output resistors are connected at their first ends to a reference voltage source, and at their second ends to a common node. The system further includes a sensing circuit configured to measure a voltage at the common node to detect touch events on the touch electrodes. The reference voltage source provides a stable voltage level to ensure accurate touch detection by maintaining consistent operating conditions for the output resistors. The touch sensor system is designed to improve sensitivity and reliability in touch detection by minimizing noise and variations in the measured voltage, thereby enhancing the accuracy of touch event detection. The configuration of the output resistors and their connection to the reference voltage source helps in maintaining a balanced electrical potential across the touch electrodes, reducing the impact of external interference and improving the overall performance of the touch sensor.
12. The touch sensor of claim 10 , wherein a first end of the first output resistor is connected to the output terminal of the first amplifier, and the second end of the first output resistor is connected to the output terminal of the second amplifier.
A touch sensor system includes a capacitive sensing circuit with multiple amplifiers and resistors to detect touch events. The system addresses the challenge of accurately measuring small capacitance changes caused by touch interactions, which can be affected by noise and interference. The touch sensor circuit comprises a first amplifier and a second amplifier, each with an output terminal. A first output resistor is connected between the output terminals of the two amplifiers, forming a feedback loop that stabilizes the circuit and improves sensitivity. The resistor helps balance the output signals from the amplifiers, reducing noise and enhancing the accuracy of touch detection. This configuration allows the touch sensor to reliably detect touch events even in noisy environments, improving the performance of touch-sensitive devices such as smartphones, tablets, and touchscreens. The resistor connection ensures that the amplifiers operate in a synchronized manner, minimizing signal distortion and improving the overall robustness of the touch sensing system.
13. The touch sensor of claim 12 , wherein first ends of the second output resistors are commonly connected to the output terminal of the second amplifier, and the second ends of the second output resistors are commonly connected to an output terminal of a third amplifier or a reference voltage source.
A touch sensor system includes a plurality of sensing electrodes arranged in a matrix, where each electrode is connected to a corresponding amplifier. The system detects touch events by measuring changes in capacitance at the electrodes. The amplifiers output signals that are processed to determine touch locations. The system includes a plurality of output resistors connected to the amplifiers. The first ends of these output resistors are commonly connected to the output terminal of a second amplifier, while the second ends are commonly connected to either the output terminal of a third amplifier or a reference voltage source. This configuration helps stabilize the output signals and improve touch detection accuracy by reducing noise and ensuring consistent signal levels. The system may also include additional components such as a multiplexer to selectively connect the electrodes to the amplifiers and a processing unit to analyze the output signals. The touch sensor is designed for use in electronic devices where precise and reliable touch detection is required, such as smartphones, tablets, and touchscreen displays. The configuration of the output resistors and amplifiers ensures robust performance under varying environmental conditions.
14. The touch sensor of claim 13 , further comprising: a third region comprising at least one second electrode connected to an input terminal of the third amplifier and at least one first electrode corresponding to the at least one second electrode; at least one sensing channel comprising a first input terminal connected to the first electrode of the third region, and a second input terminal connected to the output terminal of the third amplifier; and a third output resistor connected between the second input terminal of the sensing channel connected to the first electrode of the third region and the output terminal of the third amplifier.
A touch sensor system includes multiple regions with electrodes and amplifiers to detect touch inputs. The system addresses the challenge of accurately sensing touch events in different areas of a touch-sensitive surface. The sensor comprises a third region with at least one second electrode connected to an input terminal of a third amplifier and at least one first electrode aligned with the second electrode. A sensing channel is connected to the first electrode of the third region and to the output terminal of the third amplifier. A third output resistor is placed between the sensing channel's input terminal and the amplifier's output terminal. This configuration enhances touch detection by improving signal stability and reducing interference. The system may also include additional regions with similar electrode and amplifier arrangements to provide comprehensive touch sensing across a surface. The design ensures precise touch localization and minimizes false detections by optimizing signal pathways and amplifier feedback. The touch sensor is suitable for applications requiring high-accuracy touch input, such as touchscreens and interactive displays.
15. The touch sensor of claim 9 , wherein a first end of the first resistor is connected to the second electrode of the first region and the input terminal of the first amplifier, and the second end of the first resistor is connected to a reference voltage source, and wherein a first end of the second resistor is connected to the second electrodes of the second region and the input terminal of the second amplifier, and the second end of the second resistor is connected to the reference voltage source.
A touch sensor system includes a substrate with multiple regions, each having a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrodes are connected to a signal source, while the second electrodes are connected to amplifiers. The system detects touch events by measuring changes in capacitance between the electrodes. To improve signal stability, resistors are used to bias the second electrodes. A first resistor connects the second electrode of a first region to a reference voltage source and the input terminal of a first amplifier. Similarly, a second resistor connects the second electrode of a second region to the same reference voltage source and the input terminal of a second amplifier. This configuration ensures consistent voltage levels at the amplifier inputs, reducing noise and improving touch detection accuracy. The resistors provide a stable reference point, enhancing the system's ability to distinguish between actual touch events and electrical interference. The design is particularly useful in multi-touch applications where precise and reliable sensing is required.
16. The touch sensor of claim 1 , wherein each of the sensing channels comprises a differential amplifier that is configured to output a signal corresponding to a difference in voltage between the first and second input terminals.
A touch sensor system detects touch inputs by measuring capacitive changes at sensing electrodes. The system includes multiple sensing channels, each connected to a pair of input terminals. Each sensing channel contains a differential amplifier that outputs a signal representing the voltage difference between the two input terminals. This differential measurement improves noise rejection and accuracy by canceling out common-mode interference. The amplifier's output is processed to determine touch events based on changes in capacitance. The system may be used in touchscreens, touchpads, or other capacitive sensing applications where precise touch detection is required. The differential amplifier design enhances signal integrity by minimizing the effects of environmental noise and electrical interference, leading to more reliable touch detection. The sensing channels operate independently, allowing for simultaneous multi-touch detection across multiple electrodes. The system may also include calibration mechanisms to compensate for variations in electrode properties or environmental conditions. This approach improves touch sensitivity and reduces false positives in touch interfaces.
17. The touch sensor of claim 1 , wherein the first and second electrodes are provided to be spaced apart from each other, and wherein a corresponding pair of the first and second electrodes extend in a first direction in the first or second region while at least partially overlapping with each other.
A touch sensor system includes multiple electrodes arranged in a grid pattern to detect touch inputs. The electrodes are divided into first and second sets, where each set is spaced apart from the other. Within a defined region of the sensor, a pair of electrodes from the first and second sets extends in a common direction while partially overlapping. This overlapping configuration allows for improved touch detection accuracy and sensitivity by enabling capacitive coupling between the electrodes in the overlapping region. The overlapping electrodes may be arranged in a staggered or interleaved pattern to enhance signal differentiation and reduce interference. The sensor may be integrated into a display or overlay structure, with the electrodes formed from conductive materials such as metal or transparent conductive oxides. The overlapping design helps mitigate signal noise and improves the sensor's ability to distinguish between single and multi-touch inputs. The system may also include signal processing circuitry to analyze the capacitive coupling between the overlapping electrodes and determine touch coordinates. This configuration is particularly useful in high-resolution touchscreens where precise touch detection is required.
18. The touch sensor of claim 17 , wherein the sensor unit further comprises a plurality of third electrodes extending in a second direction to cross the first and second electrodes.
A touch sensor system includes a sensor unit with multiple first electrodes extending in a first direction and multiple second electrodes extending in a second direction, forming a grid for detecting touch inputs. The sensor unit further includes a plurality of third electrodes that extend in the second direction, crossing both the first and second electrodes. These third electrodes enhance touch detection accuracy by providing additional sensing points, allowing for more precise localization of touch events. The system may also include a controller that processes signals from the electrodes to determine touch coordinates. The third electrodes are positioned to intersect the first and second electrodes, creating a multi-layered sensing structure that improves signal resolution and reduces interference. This design is particularly useful in high-resolution touchscreens, where accurate touch detection is critical for user interaction. The additional electrodes help mitigate issues like ghost touches and improve sensitivity in edge regions of the sensor. The overall structure ensures reliable touch detection across the entire sensing area, making it suitable for applications requiring precise input, such as smartphones, tablets, and industrial control panels.
19. A display device comprising: a display panel comprising a display region in which a plurality of pixels are provided; and a touch sensor comprising an active region, the active region comprising first and second regions overlapping with the display region, wherein the touch sensor comprises: at least one pair of a first electrode and a second electrode, which are provided in the first region; at least two pairs of first electrodes and second electrodes, which are provided in the second region; a plurality of sensing channels each comprising first and second input terminals, wherein the first input terminals of the sensing channels are connected to different ones of the first electrodes; an amplifying circuit connected between the second input terminals of the sensing channels and the second electrodes; and an input control unit connected between the amplifying circuit and the second electrodes, the input control unit comprising a first resistor connected to the second electrode of the first region and a second resistor commonly connected to the second electrodes of the second region.
A display device integrates a touch sensor with a display panel, where the touch sensor includes an active region overlapping the display region of the panel. The active region is divided into first and second regions, each containing electrodes for touch sensing. The first region has at least one pair of first and second electrodes, while the second region has at least two such pairs. The touch sensor includes multiple sensing channels, each with first and second input terminals. The first input terminals are connected to different first electrodes, while the second input terminals are linked to second electrodes via an amplifying circuit. An input control unit connects the amplifying circuit to the second electrodes, featuring a first resistor for the first region and a second resistor shared by the second region's second electrodes. This configuration enables efficient touch sensing across the display area, improving signal processing and reducing interference. The design ensures accurate touch detection while maintaining display functionality, addressing challenges in integrating touch sensors with high-resolution displays. The amplifying circuit and resistor-based input control unit optimize signal integrity and reduce noise, enhancing touch sensitivity and reliability.
20. The display device of claim 19 , wherein the amplifying circuit comprises: at least one amplifier comprising an input terminal connected to the second electrodes of the first and second regions and the first and second resistors; and a plurality of output resistors connected in parallel to an output terminal of the amplifier, the plurality of output resistors being connected to different sensing channels.
A display device includes a touch sensing system with an amplifying circuit designed to improve signal processing for touch detection. The system addresses challenges in accurately sensing touch inputs due to noise and signal attenuation in large-area displays. The amplifying circuit contains at least one amplifier with an input terminal connected to multiple electrodes and resistors. These resistors are part of a sensing network that divides the display into regions to enhance spatial resolution. The amplifier's output terminal is connected to a set of parallel output resistors, each linked to a different sensing channel. This parallel configuration allows the amplifier to distribute its output signal to multiple channels simultaneously, improving signal integrity and reducing crosstalk between sensing regions. The design ensures that touch inputs are detected with higher precision and reliability, even in complex display environments. The use of parallel output resistors enables efficient signal routing without additional amplification stages, optimizing power consumption and circuit complexity. This approach is particularly useful in capacitive touchscreens where accurate signal differentiation is critical for multi-touch functionality.
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July 7, 2020
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